A Pilot Study to Assess Feasibility of Lay Representation in Dental School Admissions Interviews

Regulatory bodies in the dental profession often include members of the public as a way to ensure that patient interests are represented. With student selection for admission to dental school being a multifaceted, highly competitive process, this study was motivated by curiosity about the value of involving members of the public in the admissions process. At Newcastle University School of Dental Sciences, UK, semi-structured selection interviews conducted by two members of the faculty staff are part of the process. In the 2016-17 and 2017-18 admissions cycles, four lay representatives joined a number of the interview sessions. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of having a lay person present during the selection interview and whether this could become an integral part of the admissions process. A secondary purpose was to internally validate the processes in place for the interviews by considering the alignment of judgments of the panel and lay representatives. This study followed a two-stage, mixed-methods design. Quantitative analysis compared numerical interview scores awarded by the panel and lay representative when present. Scores for each question domain and overall interview score were compared. Qualitative analysis was carried out by conducting a focus group with lay representatives to seek insight into their experience and reflections on the interview processes. Thematic analysis was used, and overarching themes identified. The results showed no statistically significant difference between the interview panel and lay persons' scores for each domain or overall score awarded for the interview. The thematic analysis identified three overarching themes: reason for volunteering, process and training, and thoughts on style of interview used. These results suggest that involvement of lay people from the local community was feasible, and there was interest in continuing this involvement from the volunteers themselves.